Jessica Forrest provided a demonstration in a seminar as part of a 6-part Expert Witness Seminar series. The series is run by Dr. Philip J. Resnick, Professor of Psychiatry for the Case School of Medicine and supervisor of its Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. This session focused on cross examination of forensic psychiatrists in the context of testamentary capacity and will contests. The forensic psychiatry fellows were provided background materials from a real will contest that utilized expert testimony.
The students each prepared an expert report, which Dr. Resnick provided to Jess so she could prepare a cross examination. The fellows reached different opinions on testamentary capacity, so Jess was able to cross-examine both sides of the case. Afterwards, Dr. Resnick, Jess, the presenting fellows, and other medical student observers provided feedback and tips on testifying and report-writing for forensic psychiatry in a will contest.
